BamBam - My first ride was as a kid on a scooter with my neighbor's dad, and I was terrified! Fast forward to the early 80's, I got hopelessly hooked riding on the back of my b/f's bike in CA. He tried to teach me a little, but I was afraid of dropping his bike. Fast forward to 2001, when I found out about the MSF course from a co-worker and signed up. I bought my first bike about 2 weeks after the course, and I still have her. Gracie is my 2002 Honda VLX. I also had a VTX 1300S, but she met an unfortunate end.

Boo - I ride because it feeds some elemental part of me that loves and needs freedom, adventure, spirit. Bikers, more than most other folks, seem to live in the moment and cherish every day. The days I've spent on the road, and the friendships I have formed with my sisters through our common bond of motorcycles, are some of the things I value most in my life. I currently ride a 2006 Kawasaki Vulcan Nomad. (But I'm always up to try new wheels!)

Dawg - My heart has been yearning to ride the wind since I was 10 and first had a ride on a bike. The chances to ride were never enough over the next few decades.  Each spring as the bikes hit the road, I watched them pass me with such longing. Then when I was 45 the chance to buy a bike of my own came along and I took it.  My love for riding has only grown since then. My goal is to see as much as I can from two wheels as I ride to meet other WindShifters where ever they may be. 2003 Honda 750 Shadow A.C.E.

Dragon - In 2005 I almost died from a serious tick-borne illness.  I survived but the damage done by the disease left me permanently disabled.  Although I can't do a lot of things I used to enjoy, getting out on my bike for the limited time I can still ride and feel the wind in my face makes me feel very free, very alive and very happy.  Plus, I have a wonderful group of Sisters whose support and love has never diminished.  Life is good.
2002 Kawasaki Vulcan 800

Joker - My first ride was on a scooter my dad had. He would put mom, me, and my little brother on and away we'd go. I was hooked. When I got older, whenever I'd see a guy on a bike I'd beg for a ride. I got my first bike when I was 17, and I've never looked back.

2007 Kawasaki Vulcan 1500

Katie - Five years ago when driving with my friend, who owns a bike, we passed a Honda VLX that was for sale and she said "Do you want to look at it?" We pulled in and I bought the bike. A year later I bought my current bike and havenít looked back. When I am on my bike I leave everything behind, pure freedom and relaxation. I especially enjoy combining my love of riding with my love of nature and seek out rides to scenic destinations and bird watching hotspots. Last year was Nova Scotia, this year is the California Redwoods and the Pacific Northwest, and I am looking forward to many years of touring our country's natural treasures. Yamaha VStar 1100

Nemo - H-D 1200 Sportster. Just like all women, I wear a lot of hats, but my favorite has a chin strap and a face shield.  I can't remember when I first was compelled to ride, but I vividly remember how nervous I was when I finally walked into that MSF class full of men, some of whom had been riding for decades.  Amazed by their diversity, and awed by their support and encouragement, I was forced to admit that I had misconceptions about the term 'biker' and the subculture it represented.  Three years later I find myself devoted to sharing this, this life amplified, with other would-be women riders...the women who can't stop staring with that unmistakeable glint of excitement and envy in their eyes as they watch the WindShifters ride by flying Purple (for the Majesty that is Woman) and Yellow (for our enlightened lighter side).

Nett - There's nothing like the indescribable feeling of getting out on 2 wheels: Hair blowing in the wind, worries falling in the dust stirred by carefree but attentive riding, listening to great tunes, the freedom of leaving all cares behind, meeting up with friends or riding solo, shifting as the need for change arises, enjoying life to the fullest and taking in each moment is if it were my last. I sing and dance, sometimes both when I ride. When the music stops; a Chinese Proverb, "The absence of war is not peace" enters my mind and I ponder this as I stroll through the side streets on each journey, finding my way home. WindShifters- Life is good, WE make it better.
2007 Road Glide

Paks - My first motorized two-wheeler was a Yamaha scooter in the early 80's. I slowly worked my way up to what I ride now, a Yamaha RSV. I took a twenty year hiatus from ridng but have been making up for all the years missed. Over the last 3 years, I have logged 50K. 27K for 2007. The saying goes "It's not the destination but the ride." For me "It's the ride AND the destination." Because the destination is meeting up with the other WindShifters. 2007 Yamaha Royal Star Venture, 1300

Stormy - I started out when I was about 10 on a neighbor kid's bike. I work for the airlines and figured it was time to see the world on ground after flying all over USA, Canada, Orient and Europe. Got tired of being the passenger and bought my own 'first' bike which was a Duece. I didn't like it so I bought a Sportster (kept the Duece). One day, walked into the HD shop browsing and browsed home a 05 Heritage named Harry to ride America on. 2005 Heritage

Tigg - I first got bitten when I was in grade school. In the summer, a neighborhood Dad would borrow a bike...think it was a Harley(because that would explain a lot). The neighborhood kids would line up and sit on the corner curb...waiting for our turn to ride. I don't remember my age, but I was small enough that I rode in front of him on the tank! I can still see it. Sitting on that curb, as I look up, the sunlight shining off the tank winking at me. Think I've wanted a bike of my own, since that very first summer ride. A childhood dream... In 2005 I was looking at the mountain of photos a friend of mine took on a ride to the Sturgis Rally. I remember exactly what I said after seeing those pics..."Ya know..THAT...just looks like WAY too much fun!" The following spring I bought my very first motorcycle and, I've been living that childhood dream ever since. 2006 HD Heritage Softail Classic, 1450, 2008 Honda Rebel, 250

Tumbles - Where does one begin when decribing one's soul? Do we define ourselves with limitations and barriers or do we define ourselves with the changing tides. I hope to continue to grow as I learn and see more and more of our great country. I can't imagine life without motorcycling.  Some of my best friends have been met on the road and in motorcycle clubs.